a couple things

Natasha gave me a slight scare the other day. She said that she put Gidget up for sell in an ad. She feels like since she is having all the upcoming changes in the next few months that she needs to do the best thing for her and Gidget. So...a couple was coming over last night night to meet her and maybe take her on a trial basis. I was sure happy when I came home and heard Gidget barking at me. I don't think I've even been so excited to see her. When she went to the vet that morning, I didn't know if I'd see her again. It was a sad feeling. But the couple backed out so we still have her for a time. I know in a couple months I will be moving out with Rachel, but then I will be prepared for that change.

My car went in for a 60K maintenance check up yesterday. Since it was such an extensive work-up the dealership gave me a loaner car. I think they do it intentionally so that I will have the desire to buy a new car. I've been sporting a 2009 Forrester and I sure do love it.

It looks something like this one. It drives a little more smoothly than my manual Impreza. And it sits a little higher off the ground. I like it. Too bad I'm a broke student and can't afford a new car.

Father's Day was spent out at JP and Mary Ann's with the boys and Rachel and her roommate, Becca.  We had a delicious dinner (as always) and it was just nice to spend time with family.  There was much reflection that day; overall, it was a nice day.

potty training a dog

I need some serious help in this department. I am about ready to strangle the dog. Gidget has been potty trained for a few months now. For some reason the past few weeks she has decided to go in the house again. I've about had it! Natasha (my roommate) and I have been trying to figure out why she is being such a pill lately. Both of us have been gone more this past month, so maybe she hasn't been getting enough attention, right? We thought maybe she was trying to punish us for that. We have been extra attentive while we are at home (the same usual hours as before) but she is still lashing out. She is intentionally going potty in the house. The other day we had gone on a walk and to the park for an hour. I brought her home, left for about an hour, came back and she had pooped on the hardwood. Another time, Gidget had peed in the house, so Natasha put her in "time out." We keep her outside except for the her cage which she can come and go freely into that from outside. Natasha and Blake had gone to the temple and did some errands. She came home and felt terrible that she had put Gidget outside. She brought her in, and immediately Gidget peed right in front of the doggy door. Again, yesterday, I was doing some laundry and Gidget decides to pee on my carpet. This morning I woke up to a pile of poop on my carpet. Good thing I put my glasses on or else I would have stepped in it. I don't know what to do. The "time out" sessions are not teaching her anything. Please give me some advice before Gidget goes to doggy heaven.

Gidget pouting!

Weekend Update...

It was a nice relaxing fun-filled weekend before my quarter begins. I finished exams on Thursday, so it has been a short break for me. I was glad to enjoy my days off! Friday I went to breakfast with a friend from school (Erin), enjoyed waffles with fresh blueberries, and caught up on the latest in life. I went to the park with Gidget for about an hour and read a book. Met up with another friend from QC for a Jamba and talked! Came home and found a pile of Gidge's poop on the hardwood floor. A little upset, I made her stay outside of my room. She pouted knowing she was in trouble. She has been put in "time out" a couple of times this weekend. Her "time out" consists of staying in the backyard or the cage inside the house. Not sure why she is acting out, but I'm definitely not enjoying the tantrums.

Friday night was Trisha and Danny's reception. I went out with my friend Josh. Driving out to the church reminded me of how far away I used to live. For some reason, when I lived out there it didn't seem that far. But now that I've been so close to everything, it seems like quite the distance.

I definitely enjoyed my night with Josh. He has a way with making me laugh and enjoy the simple things. He is studying law and will be taking the Bar this July. Unfortunately for me, that means he is super busy and I probably won't see him again until after that.

Saturday I slept in. I went to a matinée with some ward friends and saw "Kung Fu Panda." It was pretty cute. I have really been wanting to go swimming lately. So I invited myself and Rachel over to my friend John's to go swimming that afternoon. He was super sweet about letting us come over. They have a nice pool, tramp and swing set. I was in heaven for a few hours enjoying the sunshine! Since Katee and Drew's reception was out in south Gilbert, I went over the JP and Mary Ann's for a few hours. It was great seeing them. Max loves his cars and trucks. It was fun playing with him. After the reception, I went to a party with Rachel. I wasn't really in the social mood, so I didn't stay too long. I went home and watched "P.S. I love you!" It was a cute movie that made me do some thinking. Needless to say, I stayed up way too late.

I slept in this morning, then went to church. It was a good day of learning for me. I visited with the Bishop for a time after church. He was very nice and called me after dad had died. I always received a Father's Blessing before my school quarter began, so the Bishop was nice and did that for me. For dinner I participated in a dinner group with my ward. Afterward, I went for a nice walk and did some good thinking. I played the piano for a while and now just anticipating my five o'clock alarm! Another quarter is really here.

Two of my best friends came down to my dad's funeral.  It was such a nice surprise.  Deanna and I grew up in Delta.  We then met Heidi in Ogden.  We had some great days up there and have been through a lot together.  I appreciate their friendship and support during such a difficult time.

My nieces and nephews were loving all the bouquets of flowers, and wanted to share them with us.

My beautiful mother, Mary, after the graveside services.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I decided to pick up a book and read tonight.  This book has been sitting on my shelf for the past few months waiting for me to have time to read.  I sure enjoyed this good easy read about Santiago and his adventures in life while pursuing his Personal Legend.  i really like the life purpose that developed beyond Santiago's dreams.  There is something about knowing how to be content with the present.

My friend Deanna laughed at me when I told her that I read a book tonight.  She said "Haven't you been reading enough these past couple of weeks?  I don't think I've read a book since high school."  I laughed.  I find contentment and pleasure by drifting into someone else's mind.  It's nice to step away from reality for a few hours.

Dad

When we were young... (Dad, Mom, Sarah, Phillip)

Where to begin? My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past January. What a shock to us all! The next few months flew by with many phones calls and a couple of visits home. Overall, dad was doing great. A little over to weeks ago he started having more severe stomach problems. A CT scan was obtained and the results showed a complete bowel blockage two Sunday's ago. This is not good news. After a long night of decision making (final exams were starting that week), Rachel and I both agreed we should go home. We were able to spend a few days with my dad in the hospital. He then decided that he would rather be at home, so arrangements were made and he got a ride home in the ambulance. The next few days run together, but I'm so grateful I made the decision to come home. There were many family members & friends that stopped by to express their love and concern about my parents. All of us kids were able to be home for one last special night with my dad. He passed away Friday May 16, 2008 in the morning. Over the next couple days the funeral arrangements were made and decisions about my mom were determined. There was a viewing the night before and I was amazed at the many lives my dad has touched. The memorial service the next day was wonderful. Many great stories were shared by my brother, Phil, and my uncle Earl, my dad's elder brother. The musical numbers were divine by uncle Stewart, a younger brother, and his daughter, Brianna, and John and Linda Larson. Other kind words were shared by the stake president, Brother Killpack, and Bishop Remp. I still feel like it's a dream, that my dad is off on a trip or busy at work, even though I was home through it all. I have been touched by the many emails, phone calls, and cards given by all! I have been deeply blessed by the spirit with peace and comfort. I'm so grateful for the time to be at home with my family. It has been nice to share stories and reminisce about my dad. I love you dad!

Dad and Mom

Fourwheeling in Richfield last August

Doing what he loved!

Parents Courtship

Family Photo

Who loves sports analogies?

I don't typically enjoy much about sports, unless it's tennis. I don't mind watching or hearing about it to an extent, but when it become a person life, that's pushing it! There is so much more to focus on.

Tonight I went to our Stake Combined Humanitarian Project. I think I was the most blessed out of the opportunity. First off, I went with a hunk. Secondly, I was fed. Third, Sister Holly Mendenall and Coach Bronco Mendenhall spoke to us about education and perspective (remember you can only take your intelligence, spirituality, and your testimony to the next life). Fourth, we packaged half of a newborn kit (there wasn't any material left after we'd finally talked to the Mendenhall's). Fifth, we flew an airplane and it went round and round and round.

After the service project (that we didn't really help with), we went on an adventure to Josh's house with Matt and Esther. Continuing on with my blessing....Sixth, I won at Apple's to Apple's (one of my least favorite games). Seventh, I played a stellar piano duet with Esther. Eight, I enjoyed some friendly conversation about the mean things we did to siblings growing up or the trouble we go ourselves into (I'm perfect, though, so that was really hard for me to come up any good stories...most of them I had to make up! Like the time I was so mad at dad and I punched the door in...oops!). Niner, I got to go on a moonlight walk because the car was blocked in my the renter, who was having a "moment" with his girlfriend. It was fun playing a practical joke on the neighbor, though. Ten, I got a stomach work out from laughing so much, and I lost a few pounds from shedding some water weight (through my laughing tears!).

Tonight I learned more about the importance of my education and remembering to keep the right perspective. I'm in school to better myself so that I can serve others! It was great hearing some stories from the Mendenhalls about their experiences growing up and then experiences of when they first were married until now. Life doesn't always work out the way you planned. But keeping the faith will guide you in the direction you should be headed.

It's been a good day, even if I don't love sports analogies! I relate better to school oriented scenario's. I got a hundred on my pharm quiz. I talked to dad and mom. I had a lot of laughs. What more could a girl ask for?

Birthday Weekend

I thought I'd write a quick post about this past weekend. It was Rachel's birthday last Friday. Happy 22!!!  We celebrated with another friend for their birthdays by having a "Dynamite Birthday Party!" We played some Rockband, swung at a pinata, ate some food, and hung out. Killer party!

Then Sunday JP and Mary Ann invited us over for a birthday dinner party. Mary Ann decorated with super cute Martha Stewart-like designs! Such talent! We also celebrated Cinco de Mayo by having tamales, chips & fresh homemade salsa, beans, and salad. Delicious! For birthday dessert we had some yummy rice krispies (which I've continued to enjoy this week at lunch time!).

My favorite present for Rachel was her "It's a great day box!" I've been asking her what she wanted for her birthday, and she'd say "Oh, nothing, just get me a card!" Since we had that duel birthday party and I was taking a present for Josh, Rachel said "Just bring me a wrapped up box with a saying inside like - a kiss from me whenever you need!" So for her birthday, I did give her a box for herself!  It has kisses, feel good sayings, serve opportunities, and other miscellaneous thoughts.  Probably not what she expected, but will be enjoyed!!!

Max and Ian were adorable when we got out there. For some reason, Max is excessively shy until almost the end of our visits. After dinner, JP was like "You want to see Max get excited? Max, you want to watch tv?" Max about flipped out, twirling around, chanting "Yo gabba gabba, yo gabba gabba!" Apparently it's his favorite show. He ran over to the couch and got ready to watch the show. It was so dang cute! This is a picture of us trying to get Max to look at Mary Ann. He's so shy, though, and just kept looking at my hand instead. I'd whisper in his ear and he'd get a little smile on his face. I love having family so close!

Can you see the true camels? It took me a little while to realize that the white spots where the actual camels and the black spots are the shadows! Pretty cool!

Fourth quarter finals are starting next week. It seems like I'm always in midterms or finals. Do they ever end? I was calculating how many exams I will have taken over the 14 months and figured out that it would be between 85-90. That's a lot of tests! No wonder why I feel like I'm always taking tests. That doesn't even include quizzes, papers, case studies, or presentations. My life is busy! It's amazing I manage to find time to have any social life. Good thing Rachel is here to help me remember that I need to have down time as well. She's been known to help me ditch class or procrastinate my studies for a little while, right Rach?

A few weekends ago, I was able to help with TOPS physical exams at Gilbert High for the surrounding high school students. Here is a picture of some of us students from the ATSU Sports Medicine Club (both PA's and DO's). It was a fun experience, even though, I only stayed for half of the day. It was great to get a little more clinical experience and learn more about how to talk to actual patients. Only one more quarter and I'll be on rotations. It's crazy to think that a year ago I was getting ready to start school, and Amanda was thinking about starting rotations. Now Amanda has moved back to UT/WY to finish her last two rotations up there and I'll be finishing my didactic phase of school. I will miss Amanda but I'm so excited for her to be with her husband and family. I was able to go out last Friday and help her get ready to move. It was great reminiscing and joking around. Thank goodness for great friends.  It's been a fun couple of weeks.